Purpose: This study aimed to improve the antioxidant activities of sweet persimmon peel extracts using supercritical carbon dioxide (SFE-CO2 ) as a green extraction (GE) technology, as part of upcycling efforts. It also aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of GE as an ecofriendly extraction method by comparing it with conventional extraction (CE) techniques. Methods: Sweet persimmon peel extracts were obtained using CE (hot water at 80°C for 6 h or 95% ethanol at room temperature for 24 hours) and SFE-CO2 extraction (50°C for 2 hours, with pressures ranging from 100 to 250 bar). Antioxidant activities (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] radical scavenging activity and tannin content) were analyzed to evaluate and compare the antioxidant extraction efficiency across different extraction methods. Results: In the CE extraction method, the 95% ethanol extract exhibited 1.2 times higher DPPH radical scavenging activity and 1.5 times higher tannin content than that of the hot water extract. In the SFE-CO2 extraction method, antioxidant activities increased with increasing pressure (100–250 bar), as higher pressures enhanced antioxidant activities and extraction efficiency. At 250 bar, the SFE-CO2 extracts demonstrated 1.6 times higher DPPH radical scavenging activity and 2.0 times higher tannin content than that of the hot water extract, and 1.3 times higher DPPH scavenging activity and tannin content than that of the 95% ethanol extract. These findings highlight the superior efficiency of extraction using the SFE-CO2 method. Conclusion This study demonstrated that SFE-CO2 was an efficient and eco-friendly method for extracting antioxidants from sweet persimmon peels, surpassing conventional methods.It underscores the potential of SFE-CO2 for the sustainable upcycling of sweet persimmon byproducts and the promotion of green technologies to enhance antioxidant activities.

Purpose: This study aimed to improve the antioxidant activities of sweet persimmon peel extracts using supercritical carbon dioxide (SFE-CO2 ) as a green extraction (GE) technology, as part of upcycling efforts. It also aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of GE as an ecofriendly extraction method by comparing it with conventional extraction (CE) techniques. Methods: Sweet persimmon peel extracts were obtained using CE (hot water at 80°C for 6 h or 95% ethanol at room temperature for 24 hours) and SFE-CO2 extraction (50°C for 2 hours, with pressures ranging from 100 to 250 bar). Antioxidant activities (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] radical scavenging activity and tannin content) were analyzed to evaluate and compare the antioxidant extraction efficiency across different extraction methods. Results: In the CE extraction method, the 95% ethanol extract exhibited 1.2 times higher DPPH radical scavenging activity and 1.5 times higher tannin content than that of the hot water extract. In the SFE-CO2 extraction method, antioxidant activities increased with increasing pressure (100–250 bar), as higher pressures enhanced antioxidant activities and extraction efficiency. At 250 bar, the SFE-CO2 extracts demonstrated 1.6 times higher DPPH radical scavenging activity and 2.0 times higher tannin content than that of the hot water extract, and 1.3 times higher DPPH scavenging activity and tannin content than that of the 95% ethanol extract. These findings highlight the superior efficiency of extraction using the SFE-CO2 method. Conclusion This study demonstrated that SFE-CO2 was an efficient and eco-friendly method for extracting antioxidants from sweet persimmon peels, surpassing conventional methods.It underscores the potential of SFE-CO2 for the sustainable upcycling of sweet persimmon byproducts and the promotion of green technologies to enhance antioxidant activities.

Purpose: This study aimed to improve the antioxidant activities of sweet persimmon peel extracts using supercritical carbon dioxide (SFE-CO2 ) as a green extraction (GE) technology, as part of upcycling efforts. It also aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of GE as an ecofriendly extraction method by comparing it with conventional extraction (CE) techniques. Methods: Sweet persimmon peel extracts were obtained using CE (hot water at 80°C for 6 h or 95% ethanol at room temperature for 24 hours) and SFE-CO2 extraction (50°C for 2 hours, with pressures ranging from 100 to 250 bar). Antioxidant activities (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] radical scavenging activity and tannin content) were analyzed to evaluate and compare the antioxidant extraction efficiency across different extraction methods. Results: In the CE extraction method, the 95% ethanol extract exhibited 1.2 times higher DPPH radical scavenging activity and 1.5 times higher tannin content than that of the hot water extract. In the SFE-CO2 extraction method, antioxidant activities increased with increasing pressure (100–250 bar), as higher pressures enhanced antioxidant activities and extraction efficiency. At 250 bar, the SFE-CO2 extracts demonstrated 1.6 times higher DPPH radical scavenging activity and 2.0 times higher tannin content than that of the hot water extract, and 1.3 times higher DPPH scavenging activity and tannin content than that of the 95% ethanol extract. These findings highlight the superior efficiency of extraction using the SFE-CO2 method. Conclusion This study demonstrated that SFE-CO2 was an efficient and eco-friendly method for extracting antioxidants from sweet persimmon peels, surpassing conventional methods.It underscores the potential of SFE-CO2 for the sustainable upcycling of sweet persimmon byproducts and the promotion of green technologies to enhance antioxidant activities.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between restricted, repetitive behaviors and interests (RRBI) and autistic symptoms in Korean high functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children and to examine the structure of RRBI. METHODS: Participants included 147 high functioning ASD subjects and 181 unaffected siblings. ASD subjects were divided into two groups based on the presence of RRBI. The domain scores of the Korean version of Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (K-ADI-R), Korean version of Asperger Syndrome Diagnostic Scale and total scores of Korean translated version of Social Responsiveness Scale, Korean version of Social Communication Scale were used for comparison of ASD symptoms between the groups. Eleven items from the RRBI domain of the K-ADI-R were used in principal axis factor analysis (PAF). RESULTS: A statistically lower nonverbal IQ score was observed for ASD with RRBI than for ASD without RRBIs, and more social deficit, communication deficit, and behavioral and emotional problems were observed for ASD with RRBI compared to ASD without RRBI. Using PAF, two distinct factors were identified. 'Resistance to trivial changes in environment', 'Difficulty with minor changes in personal routine & environment', and 'Compulsion/ritual' were included as one factor. CONCLUSION: Analysis of the data suggests that the presence of RRBI in high functioning ASD is associated with a more severe presentation of autistic disorder. In addition, there appears to be heterogeneity within RRBI in autism except insistence on sameness.
Asperger Syndrome ; Autistic Disorder ; Axis, Cervical Vertebra ; Autism Spectrum Disorder* ; Child* ; Factor Analysis, Statistical ; Humans ; Population Characteristics ; Siblings

This study aimed to investigate the analgesic effect of substance P (SP) in an animal model of neuropathic pain. An experimental model of neuropathic pain, the chronic constriction injury (CCI) model, was established using ICR mice. An intravenous (i.v.) injection of SP (1 nmole/kg) was administered to the mice to examine the analgesic effects of systemic SP on neuropathic pain. Behavioral testing and immunostaining was performed following treatment of the CCI model with SP. SP attenuated mechanical allodynia in a time-dependent manner, beginning at 1 h following administration, peaking at 1 day post-injection, and decaying by 3 days post-injection. The second injection of SP also increased the threshold of mechanical allodynia, with the effects peaking on day 1 and decaying by day 3. A reduction in phospho-ERK and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) accompanied the attenuation of mechanical allodynia. We have shown for the first time that i.v. administration of substance P attenuated mechanical allodynia in the maintenance phase of neuropathic pain using von Frey’s test, and simultaneously reduced levels of phospho-ERK and GFAP, which are representative biochemical markers of neuropathic pain. Importantly, glial cells in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord (L4–L5) of SP-treated CCI mice, expressed the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10, which was not seen in vehicle saline-treated mice. Thus, i.v. administration of substance P may be beneficial for improving the treatment of patients with neuropathic pain, since it decreases the activity of nociceptive factors and increases the expression of anti-nociceptive factors.
Administration, Intravenous* ; Animals ; Behavior Rating Scale ; Biomarkers ; Constriction ; Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein ; Humans ; Hyperalgesia* ; Interleukin-10 ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred ICR ; Models, Animal ; Models, Theoretical ; Neuralgia ; Neuroglia ; Spinal Cord ; Spinal Cord Dorsal Horn ; Substance P*

Malignant tumors associated with chronic empyema have been reported in the literature, and a majority of these tumors are lymphomas. Epithelial tumors originating from the post-pneumonectomy space in patients with chronic empyema are extremely rare. Here, we present the cases of 2 patients with squamous cell carcinoma arising from the pleural cavity after pneumonectomy for chronic empyema.
Carcinoma, Squamous Cell* ; Empyema* ; Epithelial Cells* ; Humans ; Lymphoma ; Pleural Cavity* ; Pneumonectomy*

Objective: : This study aims to investigate the incidence of vestibular schwannoma (VS) and demographic characteristics in Korea using population-based National Health Insurance Service data. Methods: : This study analyzed Korean National Health Insurance Service data from 2005 to 2020, based on the International Classification of Diseases, 10th version, Clinical Modification codes D333 and D431. Only those patients who had undergone magnetic resonance imaging and audiologic tests were considered definitive cases. Demographic variables included age, sex, treatment modality, hypertension, diabetics, dyslipidemia, smoking history, alcohol history, and income status. Results: : The total number of VS patients was 5751. The average incidence rate was 0.71 per 100000 from 2005 to 2020, and the annual incidence rate increased from 0.33 in 2005 to 1.32 in 2019 but decreased to 0.80 in 2020. Incidence was highest in those aged 60–69 years (1.791) and lowest in those younger than 20 years (0.041). Incidence was higher in females, and the number of patients who received radiosurgery (46.64%) was largest compared to the wait and scan group (37.96%), microsurgery group (12.85%), or the group who received both (2.56%). Diabetes, dyslipidemia, and alcohol consumption increased the risk of VS, while cigarette smoking reduced the risk of VS. Conclusion : The incidence of VS exhibited an increasing trend from 2005 to 2019. Radiosurgery (46.64%) was the most common treatment modality. Diabetes, dyslipidemia, and alcohol consumption increased the risk of VS, while cigarette smoking reduced the risk of VS.

Background: Quantitation of urine protein is important in dogs with chronic kidney disease.Various analyzers are used to measure urine protein-to-creatinine ratios (UPCR). Objectives: This study aimed to compare the UPCR obtained by three types of analyzers (automated wet chemistry analyzer, in-house dry chemistry analyzer, and dipstick reading device) and investigate whether the differences could affect clinical decision process. Methods: Urine samples were collected from 115 dogs. UPCR values were obtained using three analyzers. Bland-Altman and Passing Bablok tests were used to analyze agreement between the UPCR values. Urine samples were classified as normal or proteinuria based on the UPCR values obtained by each analyzer and concordance in the classification evaluated with Cohen's kappa coefficient. Results: Passing and Bablok regression showed that there were proportional as well as constant difference between UPCR values obtained by a dipstick reading device and those obtained by the other analyzers. The concordance in the classification of proteinuria was very high (κ = 0.82) between the automated wet chemistry analyzer and in-house dry chemistry analyzer, while the dipstick reading device showed moderate concordance with the automated wet chemistry analyzer (κ = 0.52) and in-house dry chemistry analyzer (κ = 0.53). Conclusions Although the urine dipstick test is simple and a widely used point-of-care test, our results indicate that UPCR values obtained by the dipstick test are not appropriate for clinical use. Inter-instrumental variability may affect clinical decision process based on UPCR values and should be emphasized in veterinary practice.

Subacute combined degeneration (SCD) is a metabolic disease caused by deficiency of vitamin B12. Rarely, it could be associated with genetic problem. An old male presented with progressive both hands weakness. Laboratory study showed deficiency of vitamin B12, but the cause was not clear. We performed a genetic study and methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T homozygous polymorphism with 30% of normal enzyme activity was confirmed. This case suggests SCD may occur in association with a genetic problem with MTHFR C677T polymorphism.

Purpose: Gambling disorder is highly prevalent, and harms individuals, families, interpersonal relationships, and society. However, the efforts to treat and recover from a gambling disorder are insufficient. The purpose of this study was to construct an integrated body of knowledge related to the recovery of gambling disorder, by synthesizing qualitative studies showing the recovery process in gambling. Methods: The qualitative meta-synthesis method was used to search for qualitative studies on recovery from gambling, and the experiences of 213 people of 22 articles were analyzed. Results: The overall theme representing the recovery of a gambling disorder was derived as ‘the journey of becoming the master of my life and growing together’. The process of recovery from a gambling disorder was subdivided into the decision-making phase, life-reconstruction phase, and life-fulfillment phase. The factors that enable as well as hinder recovery are presented in detail. Conclusion It is expected that the results of this study can be used as an empirical basis, for planning gambling-related policies and programs in practice through the experiences of recovering gamblers.